The Surprising Benefits of Volunteering

With rewarding careers behind them, or having successfully raised children into adulthood, some older adults can lose a sense of purpose in their lives. Retirement is not always a day at the beach for older adults who enjoyed the challenges of a career or the busy schedules of family life. For these people, volunteering can be a great way to engage socially, physically, and mentally. And even better—science tells us that volunteering can improve our physical and mental health! Not only does volunteering benefit the individual, but it also has a positive impact on the community at large.

Volunteering is something that Beth Sholom from Right at Home of Central New Jersey is passionate about. Her foundation is called SmashOut Alzheimer’s. She raises money and awareness through events where people gather to decorate pumpkins, smash pumpkins, raffle off gift baskets, and enjoy music and food vendors all in support of Alzheimer’s New Jersey.

Volunteering keeps the body and the mind active. We know that staying active as we get older is important. Many volunteer opportunities involve physical tasks such as gardening, cleaning, or organizing. This can help older adults stay active and mobile, which is important for maintaining good health and preventing age-related illnesses. Volunteering is rewarding, which releases dopamine in the brain. People who regularly volunteer report that they are in better health and less depressed than people who do not regularly volunteer.

“The most solid evidence for the cognitive benefits of volunteering has been shown in older adults, because they have been studied most,” said Dr. Austin Hall, Medical Director of University of North Carolina’s Center for Excellence in Community Health. “In this age group, volunteering can delay cognitive decline.”

Volunteering with an organization in the community provides a sense of purpose. Having a rewarding role to play is essential for our sense of self-worth and value. Giving back can bring older adults joy and a feeling that their life matters.

“Volunteering can be a rewarding way for older adults to spend their time,” Beth says. “You never know where your next act can lead you, feel valued and valuable.”

Volunteering can be a social event as well! The COVID-19 pandemic showed us just how debilitating isolation is for older adults. Social activity is good for our minds and bodies. When we volunteer, we can end up spending time with like-minded people doing this we are passionate about. We may even make a new friend!

In addition to the personal benefits, volunteering can also have a positive impact on the community. Older adults bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to volunteer positions, which can benefit organizations and communities in numerous ways. By volunteering, older adults can make a meaningful contribution to their community, which can provide a sense of pride and accomplishment. Overall, volunteering is a win-win situation for both older adults and the communities they serve.

Beth’s team of caregivers are happy to volunteer alongside the clients they serve. They volunteer in assisted living facilities such as The Chelsea at Forestgate. She also arranges for intergenerational volunteering opportunities, where older adults in assisted living make cards for kids to celebrate Read Across America day.

If you are ready to get started, the first step is to find a good match between the available opportunities and your own skills and interests. First consider...

• Your special skills.
• Your work experience.
• Special knowledge you can share.
• Your interests and the things that are important to you.
• The amount of time and commitment you are willing and able to offer.

Next, it's time to find organizations in your community that welcome volunteers and provide training for committed individuals. Many seniors have found rewarding opportunities in…

• Hospitals, nursing homes, hospices and other healthcare organizations.
• Schools and youth organizations.
• Parks and recreation departments.
• Charitable organizations.
• Faith communities.
• Civic groups.
• Cultural organizations, such as museums, theaters, art societies and music groups.
• Political groups.

If none of these ideas inspire you, why not create your own volunteer opportunity? Call an organization that interests you and see if they have a volunteer program. If you have the desire to give of your time and energy, volunteer opportunities await you.

Right at Home’s in-home caregivers are proud to support their clients in their volunteer activities. Contact us and we assist with transportation to and from activities and provide companionship that helps keep older adults active in their communities.